SC panel prepares defense of state military posts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina officials say they should cooperate as much as they can as the Pentagon prepares for a potential new round of base closures.

The South Carolina Military Base Task Force held its first meeting Tuesday.

Panel chairman Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom says it’s uncertain when the Pentagon will order new cuts, but it is best to be prepared.

The state was able to dodge major cuts in the last round of closures in 2005.

Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt says he thinks a unified stance on the part of the state’s communities and congressional delegation will go a long way toward helping to stave off cuts. Hitt says his department will conduct a new study of how the military affects the state’s economy.